My wife's ancestors - Sharp - Contents

Hopkins

William Hopkins.
He was an actor.
He mar Elizabeth Barton [born 1731].
She was an actress.
Child bapt in York in 1756.
They moved to London.
He was the main "prompter" at Drury Lane theatre, London, for many years.
He died 1780.
See Elizabeth's will dated 25 Jan 1797. She is living St Peter Hungate, Norwich (would be living with her dau Elizabeth).
She died 1801.
Will proved 31 Oct 1801.
They had issue:

1. Elizabeth Hopkins,
   eldest dau, bapt 10 Apr 1756, York.
   She acted in London from when a child in 1764.
   She became a famous actress. Engravings were done of her.
   She mar 29 May 1778, London, to Michael Sharp and had issue.
   They mar at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Westminster, London. See entry from here.
   Marriage licence dated 27 May 1778. See licence from here.

   
   

2. Priscilla Hopkins,
   born in London, 17 Dec 1758.
   She was an actress.
   She mar 3rdly, 1787, to John Philip Kemble [the famous actor, born 1757].
   He was brother of Sarah Siddons the actress.
   He died 1823.
   Priscilla died 1845.

Elizabeth Hopkins, in character.
Engraving of 1777, after original picture by James Roberts.
From NPG.
See other version. From NPG.

Elizabeth Hopkins, in character.
Engraving of 1778, after original picture by James Roberts.
From NPG.

Elizabeth Hopkins, in character.
Engraving published 1780, though titled when she was "Miss Hopkins".
From NPG.

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References

• Vol.13 (1991) of [Bio. Actors etc.]. Also here.
  • Elizabeth Hopkins on pp.282-285.

• Vol.8 (1982) of [Bio. Actors etc.].
  • Priscilla Hopkins on pp.383-387.

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• Elizabeth Hopkins at NPG.